Peer Recovery Support

What We Do

Certified Peer Recovery Specialists—people with real‑world recovery experience—offer support, coaching, and connections to help you build a healthier life.

Recovery is possible—and you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re navigating mental health challenges, substance use recovery, or both, our team walks alongside you with compassion, respect, and hope.

What You'll Get

 

  • One-on-one personalized support
  • Group support
  • Coping skills and practical strategies
  • Community resources and events
  • A personalized recovery plan

Why It Helps

 

  • Compassionate support from people who understand recovery first‑hand
  • Builds hope, control, and self‑worth
  • No financial cost to you

FAQs

What is a peer recovery specialist?

A Peer Recovery Specialist is someone with lived experience in mental health, substance use recovery, or both, who is trained to support others through similar challenges.

How can peer recovery help me?

Peer Specialists offer empathy, encouragement, and practical strategies based on real-life experience. They can also help you navigate resources, accompany you to appointments, and support your personal goals.

Is peer recovery the same as counseling?

No. Peer recovery is non-clinical and focuses on mutual support, while counseling is clinical and treatment based. Many people benefit from having both services at the same time.

Can I choose my Peer Recovery Specialist?

We do our best to match you with someone whose experiences and background align with your needs. We have two full-time Peer Recovery Specialists who are ready to support you.

Is there a cost for peer recovery services?

Our Peer Recovery Support is offered at no cost to you.

Do I need to already be in recovery to have a peer recovery specialist?

No. Whether you’re just starting to think about change or have years in recovery, peer support can be beneficial.

Meet Our Team

Meet Our Team

Rebecca Ellis, LCSW
Sterling Tucker, RPRS
Christopher Brydge, RPRS
Olivia Stith R-CPRS, CSAC-A, iFPRS
Substance Use Program Manager

I oversee the provision of outpatient substance use services, ensuring clients receive high-quality, evidence-based care. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Master’s degree in Social Work, with extensive clinical leadership experience. 
I am motivated by the opportunity to connect with people and help them access the support they need for recovery. Fun fact: I’m a foster parent and a proud mom to both foster and biological children.

Registered Peer Recovery Specialist

I help people new to recovery navigate resources, offering peer support and encouragement as they take steps toward wellness. I bring personal experience in recovery and a passion for connecting individuals with the support they need. 
I am motivated by seeing the progress and resilience in the people I serve and helping spread awareness about mental health and recovery. Outside of work, I love traveling and attending live concerts whenever I can. 

Registered Peer Recovery Specialist

As a recovery specialist, I empower and encourage individuals seeking recovery, sharing resources and peer support to help them succeed. I am a Registered Peer Recovery Specialist with lived experience and training in recovery support services. 
I consider it an honor to share my experiences with others and see them find strength in their own recovery journeys. Fun fact: I have been a professional jazz bass player for many years! 

Registered Peer Recovery Specialist

I serve as a Family Support Partner, bringing both professional training and lived experience to support families impacted by substance use and mental health challenges. With over 13 years in recovery, I am a Registered Peer Recovery Specialist (R-CPRS) and Integrated Forensic Peer Recovery Specialist (IFPRS), as well as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor Assistant. I hold an Associate’s degree in Human Services from Virginia Peninsula College and will complete my Bachelor’s in Human Services with a concentration in Substance Abuse Counseling at Southern New Hampshire University in May 2026.
I’m passionate about supporting families, breaking stigma, and helping people find hope and healing through recovery and mental health support.

Real Voices

When Carla first began working with her Peer Recovery Specialist at The Up Center, she was struggling to find her footing. Mental health challenges had left her feeling
When Carla first began working with her Peer Recovery Specialist at The Up Center, she was struggling to find her footing. Mental health challenges had left her feeling disconnected from the world around her, unsure how to navigate daily life or rebuild the relationships she had lost along the way.
For Derrick, freedom used to be something he could only imagine. After spending a third of his life incarcerated, he entered The Up Center’s Peer Recovery program with
For Derrick, freedom used to be something he could only imagine. After spending a third of his life incarcerated, he entered The Up Center’s Peer Recovery program with a determination to make this new chapter different. He wanted stability, self-respect, and a life free from the cycles that had held him back for so long.
When Maria returned from rehabilitation, she knew that coming home would be one of the hardest parts of her recovery journey. Staying consistent, rebuilding structure,
When Maria returned from rehabilitation, she knew that coming home would be one of the hardest parts of her recovery journey. Staying consistent, rebuilding structure, and learning how to manage her daily life again felt overwhelming. But this time, she had support.
When Robert first came to The Up Center in December 2023, he was at one of the lowest points in his life. He was homeless, struggling with serious health issues, and ca
When Robert first came to The Up Center in December 2023, he was at one of the lowest points in his life. He was homeless, struggling with serious health issues, and caught in the grip of alcohol, marijuana, and crack cocaine use. Despite his challenges, there was one thing he still held onto—hope.
When Jerome first connected with The Up Center’s Peer Services team in the fall, he was ready to make a change. After years of struggling with substance use, he had alr
When Jerome first connected with The Up Center’s Peer Services team in the fall, he was ready to make a change. After years of struggling with substance use, he had already begun taking steps toward recovery—but he knew that sustaining it would take commitment, support, and connection.

Become a Peer Support Specialist

Turn your lived experience into hope for others. As a Peer Support Specialist, you’ll use your own recovery journey to walk alongside people facing mental health or substance use challenges. With training and support, you can make a real difference in someone’s life—while building a meaningful career for yourself.

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